Dr. Susan Johnson

Dr. Susan Newell Johnson, age 63, of Columbus, MS, passed away September 21, 2024, at her residence. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 12:00 PM at First Methodist Church with Rev. Wesley Pepper officiating. The interment will immediately follow at Memorial Gardens of Columbus. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service in Carolyn's Room of First Methodist Church. Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

 Dr. Johnson was born June 14, 1961, in West Point, MS, to Charles Dudley "Charlie" and Carol Brown Newell of Columbus, MS. She graduated from Grenada High School in 1979, where she was a cheerleader, played the flute in the band, was sophomore maid, Key Club Sweetheart, Class Favorite, on Student Council, on Band Club Council, and was a member of the Anchor Club and National Honors Society. She received her Bachelor of Science from the Mississippi University for Women on December 15, 1982, where she went on to be a Speech Language Pathologist for the Columbus City Schools. She received her Masters of Science from the University of Alabama on December 22, 1987. She received a degree of Educational Specialist from the College of Education from Mississippi State University on August 9, 2008. She received her Doctorate of Philosophy from the College of Education from Mississippi State University on August 17, 2013. 

 Dr. Johnson was a Speech / Language Pathologist throughout her career, worked as Director of Student Support Services for the Starkville School District, and retired as the assistant supervisor for Special Education for the Columbus Municipal School District. She served on many educational committees including the District Alternative School Committee, Teacher Support Team, Individualized Education Program Committee, Crisis Management Team, Principal's Leadership Team, Partner in Progress Committee, and she also served as a professional mentor. She was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and was a member of the Mississippi Professional Educators.

 Dr. Johnson dedicated her life to education and serving the children of the Golden Triangle, along with mentoring many students and colleagues. Her passion for education left a legacy in many different school districts and administration offices. In her spare time she was an avid member of the Fitness Factor where she loved to exercise. She enjoyed spending time with her children and family. She especially loved spending time with her eight grandchildren, who she loved dearly and spoiled any chance she could. She also loved traveling and her favorite spot was on the beach right next to the ocean.

 In addition to her parents, she is survived by her son, Charles Evan Johnson and his wife Kara of Birmingham, AL, daughters, Allison Brister and her husband Colby of West Point, MS, and Abbey Dichiara and her husband Andrew of West Point, MS, brother, Charles "Chuck" Newell of Collierville, TN, sister, Nancy Crossley of Columbus, MS, and grandchildren, Anna Colby Brister, Evan Brister, Price Brister, Sam Dichiara, Betsy Dichiara, Charlie Johnson, Lawton Johnson, and Mathis Johnson.

 Pallbearers will be Colby Brister, Andrew Dichiara, Austin Newell, Chase Newell, Jesse Raley, and Mark Enis.

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX, 75284, or The Bell Center for Early Intervention Program, 1700 29th Court South, Birmingham, AL, 35209.